2024 Kaiwi Explorations Synopsis
On the weekend of November 16-17, 2024, HTMC members served as hike leaders and sweepers for approximately 150 hikers at the annual Ka Iwi Explorations. In addition, HTMC members cleared the trail route throughout the month of October in preparation for the annual weekend hike event. This year’s Ka Iwi Explorations event was an overall success due to HTMC’s continued partnership and stewardship of the Kaiwi Mauka lands.
Participants hiked the Kaiwi Mauka lands in groups of 12-15 hikers and left the trailhead at a designated time during the early morning hours. Each hike group was escorted by a trained hike leader and sweeper. Prior to the event, hike leaders and sweepers completed a training orientation hike and received curated docent knowledge about the land’s history and topography. In total, twelve groups successfully hiked the Kaiwi Mauka lands.
In 2017, Livable Hawaii Kai Hui successfully acquired the Kaiwi Mauka lands (181.5 acres) – the last threatened undeveloped lands from Kalama Valley through the summit above Sea Life Park along the Makapu’u-Kaiwi Scenic Shoreline – for the community’s benefit and enjoyment. Subsequently, in 2018, Livable Hawaii Kai Hui launched Ka Iwi Explorations as an annual hike event to invite the community to hike the Kaiwi Mauka lands through a curated and safe hiking experience led by docent hike guides. Altogether, Ka Iwi Exploration is a multi-partner experience organized by Livable Hawaii Kai Hui, the Trust For Public Land, the Sierra Club Oahu Group, HTMC, and several other organizations.
HTMC members Rich Bailey, Susan Ballard, Hawkins Biggins, Bobbie Foster, Wil Kawano, Will Kelly, Roeland Lasure, Abigail Meadows, Tony Nakamura and Dale Yoshizu trained and served as hike guides/sweepers during this year’s annual hike event. In addition, HTMC trail clearers and friends volunteered to clear the trails on multiple workdays in October. Mahalo to those who helped; Thomas Yoza, Ken Suzuki, June Miyasato, Darrell Teruya, Art Nakayama, Alvin Ito, Bobbie Foster, David Chin, Dominique Gere, Dorene Char, Iwalani Sato, Jeff Gere, Julie Varela, Kara Lee, Larry Lee, Liz Lee, Tamara Koermer, Peggy Kwi-Suk Hong, and Carmel Davis.
Although the Kaiwi Mauka lands are not open for public access, Livable Hawaii Kai Hui welcomes HTMC members to hike the trails by obtaining advanced permission and/or through volunteer opportunities to maintain the trails throughout the year. HTMC members may reach out to Livable Hawaii Kai Hui via email at info@lhkh.org for more information. Stay tuned for how to get involved in 2025 Kaiwi Explorations!
HTMC is grateful to Livable Hawaii Kai Hui for granting us access to hike this land annually. Sign up to join our Members Only hike this year on December 21, 2024. CLICK HERE to view the hike listing and sign up.